Introduction
Ricotta gnocchi is a delightful Italian dish, known for its light texture and creamy flavor. When paired with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, it turns into a comforting and elegant meal. This recipe offers an easy way to make delicious ricotta gnocchi from scratch and accompanies it with a luscious sauce that highlights the earthy flavors of mushrooms. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these gnocchi will impress your family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
*For the Ricotta Gnocchi:*
– 250g (8 oz) full-fat ricotta cheese
– 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg (55–60g)
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/4 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
– Pinch of black pepper
– 3/4 to 1 cup (approximately 100–130g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
*For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:*
– 30g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1/2 onion or 1 shallot, finely chopped
– 2 thyme sprigs (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 250g (8 oz) white mushrooms, sliced into 5mm (0.2-inch) slices
– 1/2 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/3 cup dry white wine (e.g., Chardonnay)
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock or broth
– 2/3 cup thickened/heavy cream (or pure cream)
*For Garnish:*
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
*Preparing the Ricotta Gnocchi:*
1. **Mix Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, egg yolk, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth.
2. **Add Flour:** Incorporate 3/4 cup of flour into the mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, but do not exceed 1 cup in total.
3. **Form Dough:** Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Gently knead to form a ball, then flatten into a disc about 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. Divide the disc into 8 equal wedges.
4. **Shape Gnocchi:** Roll each wedge into a log approximately 25cm (10 inches) long and 1.25cm (1/2 inch) thick. Cut each log into 1.5cm (3/5 inch) pieces to form the gnocchi.
*Preparing the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:*
1. **Cook Aromatics:** In a large pan over high heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion (or shallot), minced garlic, and thyme sprigs. Sauté for about 1 minute.
2. **Add Mushrooms:** Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
3. **Deglaze Pan:** Pour in the white wine, allowing it to simmer rapidly for 1–2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
4. **Add Liquids:** Stir in the chicken stock and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
*Cooking the Gnocchi and Combining:*
1. **Boil Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2.5 minutes. Once they float, allow them to cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. **Combine with Sauce:** Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the mushroom sauce. Gently toss over medium heat for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the gnocchi. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water to adjust consistency.
3. **Serve:** Immediately plate the gnocchi, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparing the Ricotta Gnocchi:
1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, egg yolk, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add Flour:
2. Incorporate 3/4 cup of flour into the mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, but do not exceed 1 cup in total.
Form Dough:
3. Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Gently knead to form a ball, then flatten into a disc about 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. Divide the disc into 8 equal wedges.
Shape Gnocchi:
4. Roll each wedge into a log approximately 25cm (10 inches) long and 1.25cm (1/2 inch) thick. Cut each log into 1.5cm (3/5 inch) pieces to form the gnocchi.
Preparing the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
1. In a large pan over high heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion (or shallot), minced garlic, and thyme sprigs. Sauté for about 1 minute.
Add Mushrooms:
2. Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
Deglaze Pan:
3. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to simmer rapidly for 1–2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
Add Liquids:
4. Stir in the chicken stock and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Cooking the Gnocchi and Combining:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2.5 minutes. Once they float, allow them to cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Combine with Sauce:
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the mushroom sauce. Gently toss over medium heat for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the gnocchi. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water to adjust consistency.
Serve:
3. Immediately plate the gnocchi, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
About the Gnocchi:
– Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to prevent overly wet dough.
Flour Measurement:
– The amount of flour required may vary depending on the moisture of your ricotta. Begin with 3/4 cup and adjust as necessary.
Avoiding Sticky Dough:
– Dust your work surface with flour while handling the dough to prevent sticking.
About the Sauce:
– Feel free to substitute white wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.
Garnishing:
– Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Adjust the amount of Parmesan according to your preference.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, egg yolk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Ensure all components are well-incorporated for a consistent texture.
Incorporating Flour
Gradually add flour to the mixture to form a sticky dough. Start with 3/4 cup and adjust with additional flour if necessary, being cautious not to exceed 1 cup.
Forming the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface before kneading the dough into a smooth ball. Flatten into a disc approximately 2.5 cm thick, then cut it into 8 equal wedges for shaping.
Shaping Gnocchi
Roll each wedge into a log of about 25 cm long and 1.25 cm thick. Cut the logs into 1.5 cm pieces to create the individual gnocchi shapes.
Cooking Aromatics
Melt butter in a pan over high heat, then add onion or shallot, garlic, and thyme. Sauté for about a minute to release the flavors.
Adding Mushrooms
Introduce the sliced mushrooms, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
Deglazing the Pan
Pour in white wine and let it simmer rapidly for 1–2 minutes to allow most of the alcohol to evaporate, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
Adding Liquids
Stir in chicken stock and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Boiling Gnocchi
Bring salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Cook until they float to the surface, indicating they are done, and allow for an extra 30 seconds of cooking.
Combining Gnocchi with Sauce
Transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the mushroom sauce using a slotted spoon. Toss gently over medium heat to ensure the gnocchi are well-coated.
Serving
Plate the gnocchi immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese for the gnocchi?
While you can use low-fat ricotta, it may change the texture of the gnocchi, making them less creamy and tender.
How do I know when the gnocchi are done cooking?
Gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling water. A quick additional 30 seconds ensures they are fully cooked.
Can I freeze the gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked gnocchi on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
You can replace white wine with additional chicken stock or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How can I thicken the mushroom sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering it to reduce further or whisk in a slurry of flour and water to thicken it.
Conclusion
The ricotta gnocchi paired with creamy mushroom sauce is a delightful dish that combines rich textures and flavors. The lightness of the ricotta in the gnocchi complements the savory depth of the mushroom sauce, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, making it a wonderful choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Enjoy this comforting dish and savor every bite!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi
Incorporate fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture for a vibrant color and added nutrients. Serve with a light butter sauce or a tomato-based sauce.
Pesto Gnocchi
Toss the cooked gnocchi in homemade or store-bought pesto for a fresh and herby flavor. Garnish with sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts for extra texture.
Ratatouille Gnocchi
Combine the gnocchi with a medley of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant in a light Italian tomato sauce for a hearty vegetarian option.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Replace the mushroom sauce with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Sauté minced garlic before adding cream and Parmesan to create a rich and flavorful alternative.
Gnocchi with Bolognese Sauce
Serve the ricotta gnocchi topped with a robust Bolognese meat sauce. The richness of the meat pairs beautifully with the light gnocchi for a filling meal.
Cheese and Herb Gnocchi
Enhance the gnocchi by incorporating various herbs such as basil, oregano, and chives along with additional cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a flavor-packed dish.
